STRONGEST THIS YEAR

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29819, 11 May 1962, Page 12

STRONGEST THIS YEAR

Magnitude Of 5.8 Yesterday's Westport earthquake was probably the strongest felt in New Zealand this year. According to the superintendent of the Seismological Observatory, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Dr. F. F. Evison), the magnitude was 5.8 on the Richter scale —about the same as that which wrecked Agadir in Morocco two years ago. The intensity was about 7 on the modified Mercalli scale as experienced in Westport, and between 6 and 7 in Greymouth. This intensity was less than in Agadir, because the Agadir earthquake epicentre was right in the city. The provisionally - estimated epicentre of yesterday’s earthquake was between 15 and 20 miles from Westport, 10 miles west of Cape Foulwind. The last New Zealand earthquake bigger than yesterday’s happened on December 28, 1961. Its epicentre was 80 miles south-east of Wellington, and its magnitude was about 6 The Westport earthquake was at least the fourth this year of magnitude between 5 and 6, others being two in January, both in the North Island, and one last month, with its epicentre off the Kaikoura coast. Small earthquakes were felt on the West Coast on April 7 and 8. Dr. Evison said that on average about 10 earthquakes of magnitude between 5 and 6, officially described as “moderate” shocks, were felt in New Zealand every year, as well as one of larger size. Very many smaller shocks were felt each year. The Westport earthquake was recorded as about 185 miles from the Wellington seismograph station and about 165 miles from that at Gebbie's Pass.

first Jolt was felt at Gebbie's Pass at 51 seconds after 12.27 pun. After-shakes, such as those being reported from Westport were quite common afte , r a J air! y large earthquake. Dr. Evison added. They often continued for some days or even longer, nearly always with rapidlydiminishing intensity.